Summary
There is no doubt, the imposing castles of Europe are a thing of beauty. They transport you to another era, one with servants, maids, and ladies-in-waiting. It is as though time stands still while you become part of the magnificent royal lifestyle. However, it isn’t just the lives of the nobility that are fascinating; crossing the threshold into the lower sections of these majestic buildings will provide insight into a different reality – the drudgery of servant life.
Spending sufficient time in these castles reveals a narrative that begins to unfold before your eyes. However, concealed beneath the regal façade of these elegant structures lies the true narrative. It may be one that did not have a favorable conclusion, or perhaps it is an outcome veiled in secrecy.
We have scoured and curated a selection of 10 such castles, each with a story intriguing enough to leave you contemplating for years to come.
1. The Most Haunted Castle in the World
Home to consistent paranormal activity, Leap Castle in Ireland is frequently referred to as the most haunted castle globally.
The precise age of the castle remains enshrouded in mystery, with some historians asserting it was constructed in the 15th century while others maintain that it is significantly older, possibly built around the year 1250.
Its sanguinary history implies that the ownership of the castle was likely a highly sought-after honor. In the 16th century, it served as the residence of the ruling clan O’Carroll, which first faced an assault from the Earl of Kildare. After an initial unsuccessful attempt, he waited three years before attacking again, successfully demolishing a portion of the castle. It wasn’t until four decades later that the O’Carrolls managed to reclaim their stronghold.
Despite their bravery, the ruling clan was not particularly amicable. Discord among the O’Carroll siblings was so intense that one brother fatally wounded another during a family gathering. According to the account, the victim, a priest, was in the midst of a family mass when his enraged relative stormed in and killed him. This gruesome occurrence earned the church, where the tragedy unfolded, a fitting moniker – The Bloody Chapel.
To this day, visitors assert having seen shadows traversing near the priest’s residence. Some reports also detail sightings of a robust man seemingly pushing a barrel up the stairs, only to have both man and barrel disappear upon reaching the top.
Another spine-chilling narrative involves the Red Lady, who has been described as lurking in the corridors with a dagger raised, as if to strike someone. It is said that she is the spirit of a woman who was captured and raped by the O’Carrolls, who later killed her child.
If, during your exploration of the castle, you detect an odor reminiscent of decaying flesh and sulfur, then you may have encountered “It” – yes, that is the designation attributed to this entity, which is reported to be the size of a sheep and bears a decayed visage.
2. The Prison Castle
Fewer castles are as beautiful as Dragsholm Castle in Denmark, and even fewer can claim residents from a different realm.
In the mid-16th century, the castle was repurposed as a prison by the Danish crown, where notable prisoners included Joachim Rønnow, the former owner of Dragsholm, and Ejler Brockenhuus, the Earl of Bothwell, who was also the third husband of Mary Queen of Scots.
This alone is sufficient to evoke discomfort among visitors. However, the intrigue does not end there. Multiple reports recount encounters with three particularly eerie spirits residing within the castle.
The apparition of a woman in a white dress frequently haunts the grounds. Known as the White Lady, she was of noble descent and engaged in an affair with a servant. Her father, the castle’s owner, disapproved of this liaison and had her imprisoned in the castle dungeons. Her restless spirit has been witnessed roaming the castle for centuries. Notably, in 1900, during renovations, a female skeleton clothed in a white dress was unearthed where the dungeons were thought to be.
Another lingering spirit is that of a maid who dedicated her life to serving the residents of Dragsholm. It is believed her ghost still roams the castle to ensure everything operates smoothly.
One spirit enjoys a level of notoriety; the Earl of Bothwell, Ejler Brockenhuus, is recognized as the castle’s most prominent ghost, frequently heard as the clattering of horse hooves on the castle grounds, as he makes his presence known via horse-drawn carriage.
3. Where Spirits and Humans Coexist
Windsor Castle in England holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest castle in the world, serving as the official residence of the British monarchy for over a millennium.
The extensive inventory of ghosts reported to inhabit this fortress alongside the British monarchy and their 500 staff members is vast.
Henry VIII remains an imposing historical figure, even in death. It seems he continues to oversee the throne that was once his. Having suffered a severe leg injury that became ulcerated, numerous castle visitors have reported witnessing Henry VIII dragging himself through the corridors; some even claim to hear the former monarch’s exclamations echoing through the castle.
The opulent library of Windsor Castle is frequently visited by a spirit from the beyond. Queen Elizabeth I, the daughter of Henry VIII, has been seen donned in a black dress and shawl within the library, with the sound of her shoes clicking on the wooden floor distinctly noticeable. Interestingly, King George III claimed to have had a conversation with her ghost.
Another royal specter frequently encountered is that of Anne Boleyn, who occasionally makes appearances at the Dean’s Cloister. While some witnesses report seeing her simply standing in a window, others describe her as weeping.
Charles I, who was imprisoned in Windsor Castle and later executed, is also said to roam the premises.
4. The Cursed Tower
For nine centuries, the Tower of London has remained an enigmatic fortress.
The initial ghost reportedly witnessed at the castle appeared during its construction, with St. Thomas of Canterbury allegedly making an appearance. However, due to the actions of Henry III, whose grandfather is said to have murdered St. Thomas, a chapel was erected in the tower for the Archbishop. The spirit seemed to be satisfied with this offering and has not been seen again.
Sightings of Lady Arbella Stuart are frequent; she chose to marry the nephew of Lady Jane Grey, William Seymour, without the consent of King James I. While Seymour was imprisoned in the Tower, Lady Stuart was placed under house arrest. Their plans to escape failed, leading to her imprisonment in the tower until her untimely death, reportedly due to murder.
The restless spirit of Queen Anne Boleyn continues to capture the imaginations of history enthusiasts worldwide. As the second wife of Henry VIII, her life was riddled with controversy. The most notable of her perceived transgressions was her inability to bear a male heir. Consequently, Henry lost interest, divorced her, charged her with treason, and famously had her beheaded in the tower. To this day, her headless specter is said to wander the corridors.
Even in the absence of visible apparitions, the narrow alleys and mysterious corridors, coupled with the tower’s formidable presence, are sufficient to induce chills down one’s spine.
5. Threshold to Hell
The mysterious Houska Castle in the Czech Republic harbors an unsettling narrative.
The castle’s Gothic architecture and stone fortifications present a majestic yet disconcerting sight, situated in a remote area. The initial impression derived from viewing the castle suggests it was constructed to shield those outside from whatever resides within its walls. Even stray animals tend to avoid this location.
Perhaps this aversion is due to the fact that Houska Castle, erected in the early 13th century, was not intended for habitation. In fact, it is said that the stone structure was built around a chasm. Folklore indicates that this void leads to Hell, from which demons and strange winged creatures would emerge. Sightings of such entities circling the castle are still reported today.
Eventually, the castle fell into the hands of the Nazis, who utilized it for grotesque activities, including the torture of numerous individuals and genetic experimentation.
Paranormal enthusiasts frequently visit the site, although most individuals opt for brief excursions, citing an overwhelming sensation of being observed.
6. The Home of the Grey Lady
As we near the second half of the list, if you have been anticipating the inclusion of Hampton Court Palace, the moment has arrived.
Recently, a couple of 12-year-olds visiting the 16th-century palace were engrossed in taking photographs. Unbeknownst to them, a towering figure photobombed their images, invisible to their naked eyes. Upon reviewing their photos, they unearthed an apparition strikingly consistent with the description of the Grey Lady, who is said to haunt Hampton Court Palace.
This entity is believed to be the spirit of Dame Sybil Penn, who served as a nurse to Prince Edward and Queen Elizabeth I and succumbed to smallpox in 1562. Following her death, the Victorians were the first to report sightings of her ghost, and it is said that her appearances have persisted unabated since.
Another notable ghost linked to the palace is Catherine Howard, the fifth wife of Henry VIII, who was accused of infidelity and subsequently met a tragic end. It is said that her restless spirit can be heard screaming along the haunted gallery.
The halls and corridors of Hampton Court Palace brim with disturbing secrets, as if the spirits are eager to be noticed from the other side, manifesting in photographs or causing slight disturbances.
Another infamous image circulating includes the faint figure of a child in the Queen’s privy chamber, one of many ghostly children clad in Tudor attire that wander the palace.
7. Home of the Haunted
This selection would be incomplete without acknowledging Dracula’s Castle.
Situated in Romania, Bran Castle is a majestic 13th-century structure intertwined with the enigmatic folklore of a vampire.
Interestingly, Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula, never visited the castle. Nevertheless, this palace serves as a nexus where reality and legend converge.
According to legend, Dracula is said to have taken the lives of thousands, many of whom experienced protracted torture before succumbing. The winding staircases, expansive rooms, and numerous hidden passages enhance the castle’s allure.
At the base of the stone edifice lies a chapel, where Queen Marie’s heart is interred, encased in a golden casket as per her will. Initially buried elsewhere, it was relocated to this chapel for reasons unknown.
8. The Last Resting Place for Many
Newcastle Castle, widely known, boasts a history that traces back to the second century when the Romans erected it as a port to guard a bridge over the River Tyne. Over time, the site was transformed into a cemetery.
Discrepancies regarding the timeline of its conversion into a graveyard exist. Some sources propose that this occurred in the 8th century, whereas others contend that the transformation took place 400 years later in the 12th century, at which point numerous bodies were relocated to this site.
Situated roughly 75 feet from the castle is the Black Gate, built between 1247 and 1250 AD.
It is whispered that if one listens closely enough, footsteps can be heard echoing through the empty corridors. Numerous visitors have reported capturing images of strange mists, along with occasional appearances of dark shadows and orbs.
Should you find yourself in the Queen’s chamber, faint sounds of chanting may greet you. The source of these hymns remains unknown, although tales suggest these are the spirits of chanting monks. There is also the ghost of a lady, believed to occasionally visit, who may attack, scratch, or shove some visitors. Although only a few have reported physical altercations, the lack of clarity regarding her choice of victims makes it difficult to provide preventive suggestions.
Should you notice a floral scent near one of the staircases, it may well belong to the spirit of a flower girl who was imprisoned due to overwhelming debt. While in custody, she endured rape and abuse before ultimately being murdered by male inmates.
9. It’s All in the Name
Few castles possess a history as tragic and violent as Moosham Castle.
It was the site of numerous witch trials, during which thousands of young women were executed under suspicion of witchcraft. In the dungeons, many endured torture and were killed for alleged witchcraft.
Thankfully, the days of such persecution have ceased; however, whether the victims have found peace remains uncertain. If local legends and tales hold any credence, it is the sightings of the restless spirits of these women that have given Moosham its notorious nickname, Witches Castle.
10. Till Death Doth Us Part
It is said that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, a sentiment echoed by the enigmatic rooms, walls, and corridors of Dalhousie Castle in Scotland.
Eight hundred years ago, Lady Catherine resided in the castle. At a youthful age, she fell in love with a stable hand, but by age 16, her secret was revealed.
Cast aside, she was sent to the castle tower, where she ultimately starved to death; however, her spirit appears to linger.
Since its transformation into a hotel in 1972, numerous visitors have reported encounters with the mysterious young woman.
Ironic as it may be, the hotel has become a favored location for weddings and honeymooners. Lady Catherine’s silhouette has occasionally been captured in wedding photographs. She is also said to make appearances at nuptial ceremonies.
If you happen to be at Dalhousie and observe a stunning young woman clad in a gray dress, adorned with puffed sleeves and delicate feet in pointed shoes, do not mistakenly identify her as staff, as many hotel guests have done previously. It could very well be the ghost of Lady Catherine. Should you remain skeptical, perhaps your doubts will be alleviated when she glides through locked doors or is spotted in your chamber, where she may even wave at you from a window.
In conclusion, these are the most haunted castles in Europe, grand structures steeped in horror stories and enigmatic tales. Have you visited any of these? Did you encounter any supernatural beings? Share your experiences in the comments below.
